The Pat West Gaff Rig Race is on Saturday and it marks the official end to the summer sailing season in Vineyard Haven.

The many shades of porch living will be in full view on Thursday, July 21 when the 33rd Annual Cottagers Tour allows the public to go inside some of the most iconic homes in Oak Bluffs.

By the time you read this I will be visiting my mother for Christmas and celebrating her birthday. It’s not an ordinary birthday. She will be 101 on Dec. 13.

Last Friday night more than 40 friends and fans came to the Oak Bluffs home of Stig and Anita Persson to meet artist Jeanne Staples.

Special homes are on the 2015 Cottagers House Tour which will be held Thursday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Oak Bluffs. The personalities behind these varied and captivating properties are just inviting as the homes themselves.

"Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!" That’s how my grandmother, Addie Crist, would greet me when she came to visit my parents and me for the holidays.